Korean Bell of Friendship

The Korean Bell of Friendship was gifted to the United States by the South Korean government on their bicentennial anniversary. Located in Angel’s Gate Park, the bell is housed in the Belfry of Friendship, a stone pagoda.

The bell, modelled after the famous Emille Bell in Korea, weighs a massive 17 tons and is made of copper and tin. This makes the bell amongst the largest in the world. The bell is struck 13 times every first Saturday at noon and is done so with a large wooden log. The exterior of the bell is adorned with the Taegeuk, found on the Korean flag, a branch of South Korea’s national flower, the rose of Sharon. The other engravings include a dove of peace and a branch of laurels, which is a universal symbol of victory.

The pagoda itself was traditionally designed by South Korean craftsmen. Symmetrically designed, the roof is held by 12 pillars that represent the Korean Zodiac, with each pillar being guarded by a carved animal. The park surrounding the pagoda overlooks the Los Angeles harbour. It is a great place to view the sunset over the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean.